Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC) Practice Exam

What are the three important attributes to test reliability of instruments in evidence-based research?

1. Stability, equivalence, and applicability

2. Stability, equivalence, and internal consistency

3. Stability, construct validity, and equivalence

4. Equivalence, external consistency, and applicability

The correct answer is: Stability, equivalence, and internal consistency

Testing the reliability of instruments in evidence-based research is crucial for ensuring that the results obtained are consistent and trustworthy. The three important attributes that contribute to the reliability of such instruments are stability, equivalence, and internal consistency. Stability refers to the instrument's ability to produce consistent results over time. When a measure is stable, repeating the same assessment under the same conditions should yield similar results, minimizing variations due to external factors. Equivalence pertains to the consistency of results when different forms of an instrument or different observers are used. This is important in ensuring that results are not biased by the specific instrument or person administering the test. Internal consistency measures whether items within a test assess the same underlying concept consistently. High internal consistency indicates that the items are reliably measuring the same construct, which is essential for validating the instrument's purpose. These three attributes work together to ensure robust and reliable outcomes in research, ultimately supporting evidence-based practice in nursing and healthcare. Understanding these attributes helps in selecting or developing instruments that yield dependable data for research and practice.